FC Barcelona 1-1 Espanyol Match Review: Lahoz DISASTERCLASS, Barca’s La Liga Lead Squandered

The BarcaBreakdown is back with a match review of FC Barcelona’s 1-1 draw against Espanyol, featuring goals by Marcus Alonso and Joselu. Xavi’s Barca returned after the World Cup (won by Lionel Messi!!) and immediately entered a derby versus Espanyol marred by the awful officiating from Mateu Lahoz. We did see Xavi rest some players who recently came back from international duty, such as Kounde and Dembele from France, as well as Araujo not featuring as he slowly gets reintegrated with the team after injury recovery.

The first half saw FC Barcelona apply the most pressure, culminating with the Alonso goal assisted by Christensen. However, we did see ineffective play from Ansu Fati and Raphinha. Xavi decided to use Frenkie De Jong, Pedri, and Gavi in the midfield, a continuation of the last few games where we have seen Busquets slowly lose his place as an every game starter.

The second half was a Lahoz fiest, filled with a double-yellow red card for Jordi Alba, with both cards occurring within 5 minutes of each other. Espanyol also received the 2 reds, though one was rescinded after a VAR review.

Barcelona are now level on points with Real Madrid for the La Liga lead, though Barca currently have the lead on goal difference.

 

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